|
Korean Job Discussion Forums "The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!"
|
View previous topic :: View next topic |
Author |
Message |
SpaceOddity
Joined: 08 Jun 2008
|
Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 5:37 pm Post subject: Seoul / Pusan / Buddhist areas of Korea |
|
|
I was just offered a job at Busan public schools, and I am also in the process of applying to Seoul public schools through SMOE. I don't know which to choose! Any advice? I'm not a drinker, I like diverse areas, friendly people, sunshine, Buddhist monks, and Korean food.
I am also a Buddhist. Which area has a bigger Buddhist community? Seoul or Busan? Does anyone know? Are there any particularly "Buddhist" areas or cities in Korea that you know of?
Thanks for the help  |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
pumaca
Joined: 17 Feb 2008
|
Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 11:35 am Post subject: |
|
|
I can't give any advice, but will be in Busan next year as well, and am Buddhist. You'll have at least one ally. |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
sojourner1

Joined: 17 Apr 2007 Location: Where meggi swim and 2 wheeled tractors go sput put chug alugg pug pug
|
Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 3:08 pm Post subject: |
|
|
There's temples spread out all over Korea, but most are accessible by car as they are usually outside of towns on mountain sides due them having been illegal in Korea's past. Some can be walked to if at the edge of town.
Today, they're legal and still actively maintained, but half the country is Christian, yes Christian which surprised me when I first came to Korea as I thought Buddhism was dominant. It is in most other Asian countries, but Korea is different. In every Korean town or city, you'll see red neon crosses on top of church steeples.
Take a look at Thailand when you get a chance, it's a very beautiful country with the most awesome golden Buddhist temples and warm people who hold onto traditions quite well. I think you will enjoy this gig very much if you're into Buddhism. |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
IncognitoHFX

Joined: 06 May 2007 Location: Yeongtong, Suwon
|
Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 3:22 pm Post subject: |
|
|
sojourner1 wrote: |
Today, they're legal and still actively maintained, but half the country is Christian, yes Christian which surprised me when I first came to Korea as I thought Buddhism was dominant. It is in most other Asian countries, but Korea is different. In every Korean town or city, you'll see red neon crosses on top of church steeples. |
Actually, if you look at the statistics (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_South_Korea) you'll find that there are almost the same number of Christians as there are Buddhists (Christians = 29%, Buddhists = 23%) and then you have the rest of the population which has no religion (46%).
The Christians are the loudest religion (anywhere) so of course you notice them a lot more. Also, the style of worship amongst Christians here is loud in general, something I think they picked up from the missionaries that were sent over in the twentieth century.
You do see Buddhists around, occasionally. Some (most) just look like normal people, others will be monks with traditional robes walking on the subway or the street. They're very friendly and approachable, too, which is more than I can say than the Christian guys wearing sashes and screaming anti-Buddhist rants on megaphones. |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
Chamchiman

Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Location: Digging the Grave
|
Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 3:25 pm Post subject: Re: Seoul / Pusan / Buddhist areas of Korea |
|
|
SpaceOddity wrote: |
I was just offered a job at Busan public schools, and I am also in the process of applying to Seoul public schools through SMOE. I don't know which to choose! Any advice? I'm not a drinker, I like diverse areas, friendly people, sunshine, Buddhist monks, and Korean food.
I am also a Buddhist. Which area has a bigger Buddhist community? Seoul or Busan? Does anyone know? Are there any particularly "Buddhist" areas or cities in Korea that you know of?
Thanks for the help  |
A factor that you may not have considered - if you choose Busan you'll be much closer to Gyeongju; Namsan alone is reason enough for any Buddhist to go there. You might find yourself wanting to go explore that particular mountain more than a couple of times during your year in the south, not to mention all the other sites in the area. |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|